Australia Visit

November 6, 2006:

I am visiting Sydney, Australia to undergo Autodesk Civil 3D 2007 Implementation Certified Expert (ICE) training. I flew by Jet Airways and Qantas combination to reach destination from New Delhi via Singapore and Bali stopovers.

Once I reached Sydney International Airport, there was a flash baggage handler strike. All passengers suffered as no book baggage arrived. We were asked to go our local destination and come back later to collect the baggage [another non-reimbursable expense]. Finally I got luggage the same evening.

I am staying in Four Seasons Hotels, situated along famous George Street. My room overlooks Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Circular Quay CityRail station is 2-3 minutes walking distance from my Hotel.

I had tough time in identifying the time difference between India and Sydney courtesy Microsoft and Nokia mobile. Finally I figured out that Sydney time is 5:30 hours ahead of India time.

November 7, 2006:

I had my first class along with 1 Philippine student and 8 Australian students. Class was OK. I had teething troubles, but I made up at last at my hotel. Class was completed in time for mates to see the Annual Horse Race Session. Peoples were in festive moods. Most of them were dressed in designer clothes and hats ... All the pubs/bars at George Street were full and loud music was the order of the evening. That's what I noticed in my 2 hours stroll on the street. More to come later...